The Meritage Resort & Spa: When most people think of lodging in Napa, they think of up-valley resorts such as Meadowood or Solage. This is precisely what makes the Meritage Resort & Spa different. The upscale property opened toward the end of 2006, and remains one of the only high-end resorts in the southern part of the county (the new Westin Verasa is scheduled to open near the train depot in downtown Napa in September). Despite its location at the back of an office park, the Meritage is regularly hopping with independent travelers and corporate visitors. Two adjacent buildings make up the Vino Bello Resort, part of the Shell Vacations condo-hotel program.

Comfort zone

My standard room on a recent visit evoked a field of mustard - the walls, the curtains and the comforter on the firm king-size bed all were in shades of yellow. The similar-colored night tables, desk and dresser provided little relief from this monochromatic immersion, though the comfy (and white) his-and-hers robes were a welcome touch. My favorite spot was a wicker chair and ottoman, from which I could look out the window at seemingly endless vineyards. Sloped ceilings provided a sensation of spaciousness.

Bath and beyond

Bathrooms were compact but modern. A glass-enclosed shower (great water pressure) was positioned next to a spacious marble counter with two sinks, and the toilet was a separate water closet. A hair dryer and Bare Escentuals toiletries were provided. Towels were soft and plentiful. No tub.

Grounds for approval

The U-shaped hotel frames a pool, hot tub, fire pit and bocce court that are open from sunrise till 10 p.m. A modest fitness center is also available. Perhaps the resort's biggest attraction is a 22,000-square-foot Estate Cave dug into the hillside behind the hotel. Wine tasting is available in the cave's Estate Wine Bar until 7 p.m.; the facility also features the full-service Spa Terra, complete with steam grottoes, soaking pools and Mediterranean-inspired decor with custom mosaics. For true indulgence, spring for the Vino Bello, a 50-minute body treatment that includes a grapeseed scrub and a wine mud wrap ($130).

Geared up

The usual suspects: flat-screen high-definition television, DVD player, clock radio and two telephones. All rooms also come with coffeemakers and mini-refrigerators; there's no minibar, but guests receive one bottle of wine and a daily allotment of soda and water as part of an inescapable $15 daily resort fee. The resort fee also includes wireless and Ethernet access, among other "amenities," such as access to the 24-hour business center. No safe.

In the vicinity

Not much (unless you like office parks), though downtown Napa is a short complimentary shuttle ride away. Have the driver drop you at the new Oxbow Public Market and grab a glass of Pinot Noir at the Oxbow Wine Merchant. For dinner, walk over to Azzurro Pizzeria & Enoteca, where you can watch chefs make thin-crust personal pizzas to order. Try the farro and fava bean antipasti.

Good to know

Siena, the resort's on-site restaurant, is another good choice for hearty meals. To get the most of that $15 daily resort fee, check out the nightly wine reception in the inviting lobby on Thursday and Friday from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. Servers usually pour samples of wine from Trinitas Cellars, which is the resort's private label. On Saturdays, the hotel also sponsors yoga by the pool at 7:30 a.m.

Highs and lows

Considering all of the beautiful views in Napa County, the Meritage's location is a bit underwhelming. Still, for high-end lodging close to the city of Napa, the clean and comfortable property is a good option - at least until bigger and better properties open downtown.